This Year, We're Winning a Trophy

The competition is on. Coolfire Media is hosting its second annual Pinewood Derby race as a fundraiser for the St. Louis Ad Club scholarship program.

Last year we placed well with a car that we thought would be fast. Well, we were wrong. There are faster designs out there. In the speed pool, we placed about 9th. But this year, we're going for a trophy and a spot on the platform.

Below you can see the speedshop. It has all the essentials: pinewood derby kit, plans, a drill, some sandpaper, a scale, wood putty and, last but not least, cold beer.

The car started like all Pinewood Derby cars do. It started as a wood block and a dream.

The first cut is the most difficult. I'm thinking this is the case because we don't have the right tools. It's flippin' hard cutting a small wood block with a circular saw. Lucky for me, I've still got all my digits. So yes, I'm still filling out the Beer Glove with maximum occupancy.

Weighting is key. 5.0 ounces is the limit. We weight from the rear to the middle, using nuts in a hallowed out belly.

Without wood putty, our nuts would fall out. And that would be embarrassing.

Last year's Official Beer Glove car is in the shop as inspiration. In 2008 we thought an arched, batmobile-like body would equal speed. We were wrong. Too many curves just kill your aerodynamics. We've learned our lesson. In 2009, the wedge will lead us to victory.

You can see this year's speed demon taking shape. The lines are subtle. I just hope we can compete with last year's champion. Or maybe he just won't show up.

We've got our first coat of black on the body. She's sleek and beautiful. Tonight, we finish the paint and make sure we're weighing in at 5.0 ounces on the nose.

Official weigh-in is Wednesday night. The event is Thursday night, which is also the kickoff to Ricky's weekend-long bachelor party. I'm likely calling in sick on Friday.